Façade de l'École du Louvre

After the school

This section introduces, in a non-exhaustive manner, professions and professional sectors linked to the teaching provided at the Ecole du Louvre.

Introduction

The different pages in the orientation section offer career guidance to Ecole du Louvre students.

At the end of their course, Ecole du Louvre students can choose careers to work in museum and heritage professions.

There are many museum and heritage careers for which Ecole du Louvre students are prepared at the end of their university career. Below are some examples.

 

Territorial conservation assistant/officer specialised in “archives, libraries and documentation”

The assistant or officer ensures the processing, study, development and conservation of documents in archive services and libraries through scientific and financial management. They deal most often with the public.
The entrance exam is accessible to Ecole du Louvre students who have obtained a first-cycle diploma.

More information:

 

Territorial conservation assistant/officer specialised in “Museums”

They take part in the conservation and promotion of the collections and are sometimes responsible for welcoming the public.
Entrance exams accessible to Ecole du Louvre students who have obtained a first-cycle diploma.

More information:

 

Heritage conservator

Whether they have chosen an “Archaeology”, “Libraries, Archives and Collections”, “General Inventory”, “Historical Monuments”, “Museums”, or “Scientific, technical and natural heritage” speciality, heritage conservators gather heritage, make an inventory, study it, documents it, conserve it, preserve it, and participate in its dissemination.

  • “Archaeology” heritage conservator
    They coordinate the scientific programme of planned and preventive excavations and design its legal framework.
    They promote the sites by defining the conservation programme for archaeological remains and disseminating the results of research through publications or exhibitions. They are essential players in the Regional Archaeology Service (SRA) within the DRAC (Regional Directorates of Cultural Affairs) by participating in the inventory and the archaeological map.
     
  • “Libraries, Archives and Collections” heritage conservator
    Within the various public archive services and centres, they make an inventory of the archives and classifies them by type of document.
    They coordinate the maintenance and restoration of all archival media, organises their availability to different audiences and organises their reception.
     
  • “General Inventory” heritage conservator
    Based on documentary research, they list within the DRAC all the elements of heritage for which they write analytical notes. They also establish a map of the sites in collaboration with researchers, elected officials from local authorities and architects. They communicate on the protection of this heritage by organising exhibitions, conferences, writing and distributing notices accessible to a wider audience.
     
  • “Historical Monuments” heritage conservator
    They establish the list of monuments, sites and objects to be “classified”, which must be the subject of studies and restoration campaigns.
    They are the interface between the COREPHAE (Regional Commission for Historical, Archaeological and Ethnological Heritage), local authorities and potential owners to guarantee the monitoring of work undertaken on the monuments and support the cultural activities of the sites.
     
  • “Museum” heritage conservator
    They manage the inventory of the collections, define the programme of scientific research and development of the collections in the museum space and ensure their preventive conservation. They disseminate this data by organising temporary exhibitions and events. They manage the museum and defines its external communications policy.
     
  • “Scientific, technical and natural heritage” heritage conservator
    They carry out the same missions as those of a “museum” heritage conservator, particularly in natural history museums, science museums, cultural centresor scientific and technical research centres. They are most often an administrator of these institutions.

The entrance exams are accessible to students holding the Diploma of Higher Studies from the Ecole du Louvre.

More information:

 

Territorial heritage conservator

Whether they choose an “Archaeology”, “Libraries, Archives and Collections”, “General Inventory”, “Historical Monuments”, “Museums”, or “Scientific, technical and natural heritage” speciality, they gather the heritage, make an inventory, study it, document it, conserve it, preserve it, and participate in its dissemination. They exercise these scientific and administrative functions within local authorities.
Entrance exams are open to Ecole du Louvre students who have obtained a Diploma of Higher Studies.

More information:

 

Art manager

Theyorganise and manage the circulation of art objects inside and outside the museum they work at in collaboration with conservators, administrative, legal, scientific and technical services. They ensure compliance with conservation and transport standards for art objects by developing a preventive conservation policy.
Entrance exams are accessible to Ecole du Louvre students who have obtained a first-cycle diploma.

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Restorer

They carry out an assessment of the state of the deteriorated work of art before restoring its aesthetic and/or historical integrity. They integrate this scientific study into broader historical research, before drafting specifications defining the principles of conservation of the work of art.
Entrance exams are accessible to Ecole du Louvre students who attended first-cycle courses.

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At the end of the curriculum, Ecole du Louvre students can move towards careers in cultural mediation.

There are many careers in cultural mediation which Ecole du Louvre students are prepared for by the end of their studies. Below are some examples.

 

Heritage facilitator of cities of art and history

They coordinate the various activities that promote heritage and are responsible for setting up the educational services of the Cities and Countries of Art and History. They organise the training of social and tourism mediators and that of teachers. They are the initiators of temporary exhibitions promoting local heritage.
The role is accessible to Ecole du Louvre students who have obtained a first-cycle diploma.

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Cultural Attaché

They assist the cultural advisor are work within a French cultural institute or centre.
They are most often separate from the teaching staff.
Entrance exams are open to Ecole du Louvre students who have obtained a second-cycle diploma.

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Project manager for cultural affairs/culture project manager

They organise, monitor and promote cultural events and their equipment. They communicate on cultural events for specific audiences (schools, institutions, businesses, etc.)
The role is accessible to Ecole du Louvre students who have obtained a second-cycle diploma.

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Guide-lecturer

They are responsible for visits to museums and monuments in both French and foreign languages. They exercise their role most often as an independent.
Professional aptitude exams are accessible to Ecole du Louvre studentswho have obtained a second-cycle diploma and validated the “guide-lecturer” module

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Cultural advisor

They are responsible for the cultural department of an embassy. They promote all components of French culture abroad and develop cultural cooperation between theirassigned location and France.
The role is accessible to Ecole du Louvre students who have obtained a second-cycle diploma.

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Cultural engineering consultant

They offer solutions to specific problems in the cultural sector. They develop cultural projects using digital technologies and multimedia products. They manage their production by associating their cultural content with the economy of the culture market. They often define the communication of cultural policies by relying on multimedia as technologies for cultural mediation. Their duties increasingly lead them to work in the private sector.
The role is accessible to Ecole du Louvre students with a first-cycle (or higher) diploma.

More information:

 

Director of cultural action

They define and manage a cultural institution according to its own history and its social and economic context. They participate in the development of cultural policy and administer it. They direct and coordinate cultural services, and manage national and international (most often European) institutional partnerships.
The role is accessible to Ecole du Louvre students who have obtained a second-cycle Diploma.

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Cultural mediation expert

They are specialists in all operations of interpretation and understanding of cultural phenomena and processes. They establish new practices for a specific audience, in order to respond to new demand. They operate in the private sector.
The role is accessible to Ecole du Louvre students who have obtained an Applied Research Diploma.

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Guide-lecturer of cities of art and history

They are responsible for conference visits allowing in-depth discovery of a city and region (artistic development, social and economic history). They are temporary workers.
The role is accessible to Ecole du Louvre students who have obtained a second-cycle diploma and validation of the “guide-lecturer” module.

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Cultural mediator

They link the collections and their different audiences (schools, professionals, businesses, etc.) and come up with strategies which initiate the encounter of the object with its audience (exhibitions, conferences, workshops, publishing work). They use multimedia, know how to develop information and communication tools and master the institutional workings of the public or private sector. Finally, they must work on sourcing funding for their actions.
The role is accessible to Ecole du Louvre students who have obtained a first-cycle diploma.

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Museographer

A specialist in the exhibition of works of art, often a decorator or architect, they analyse the nature of the material exhibition spaces and their enhancement to come up with a new route and show off the objects presented to their advantage. They practice this profession independently in the private sector.
The role is accessible to Ecole du Louvre students who have obtained a second-cycle diploma.

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Audience manager

They build the educational project and define the collection promotion policy for the establishment's different audiences. They work closely with the communications department.
The role is accessible to Ecole du Louvre students who have obtained a second-cycle diploma.

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At the end of their course, Ecole du Louvre students can move towards careers in art market mediation.

There are many art market careers which Ecole du Louvre students are prepared for by the end of their studies. Below are some examples.

 

Antique dealer

The antique dealer, an art historian by training, with theoretical knowledge of restoration techniques, is a dealer who searches for and identifies the pieces that they will sell in sales rooms, exhibitions and sometimes in private homes. Their sense of observation combined with artistic judgment and a good knowledge of the key players in the art market allows them to assess the value of objects and possible sales channels. Their negotiation skills and the use of a foreign language are major assets when advising their clients.

More information:

 

 

Auctioneer

This ministerial officer (mandated by the Minister of Justice) is responsible for carrying out the inventory of goods, the drafting of sales catalogues, the valuation and the sale, voluntary or not, at public auction of movable objects.
Entrance exam accessible to Ecole du Louvre students who have obtained a first-cycle diploma and have followed a course in law.

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Broker

An art dealer and art historian by training, this specialist is an expert without a gallery or boutique, who plays the role of intermediary between buyers looking for a piece and sellers. Their negotiation skills and the use of a foreign language are major assets when advising their clients.

 

 

Art critic

The art critic first and foremost exercises another profession (teacher, journalist or conservator, for example).
Additional training available to Ecole du Louvre students who have obtained a second-cycle diploma.

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Art expert/consultant

They carry out estimates of goods sold by auctioneers or by individuals and assists the auctioneer, often during sales. They practice privately and receive a percentage of sales from the same auctioneers, but also from individuals, financial companies, insurance companies, foundations, courts or customs.
Additional training accessible to Ecole du Louvre students who have obtained a second-cycle diploma.

More information:

 

 

Gallery owner

They are a dealer, expert and lover of art, most often modern and contemporary art. They identify and buy works and objects to present them for sale, and organise monographic and/or thematic exhibitions. They define the value of objects and decide on their authenticity.

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At the end of their course, Ecole du Louvre students can pursue careers in information sciences and libraries.

There are many information science and library careers which Ecole du Louvre students are prepared for by the end of their studies. Below are some examples.

 

Librarian

They ensure the acquisition and conservation of all works and communication media present in the libraries. They organise the collection of coherent documentary resources and ensure mediation between the collections and the public (provision of works and media).
Entrance exams are accessible to Ecole du Louvre students who have obtained a first-cycle diploma.

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Documentary studies manager

They identify, collect, analyse and disseminate documentary resources. They manage, and sometimes even develop, databases.
They are increasingly called upon to use and design multimedia tools.
Entrance exams are open to Ecole du Louvre students who have obtained a second-cycle diploma.

More information:

 

Library conservator

Within the various public archive services and centres, they make an inventory of the archives and classify them by type of document. They coordinate the maintenance and restoration of all archival media, organise their availability to different audiences and organise their reception.
Entrance exams are open to Ecole du Louvre students who have obtained a second-cycle diploma.

More information:

 

Culture and architecture documentation secretary/Documentation secretary of National Education

They participate in the constitution, inventory, exploitation, management and dissemination of documentary resources. They intervene, during missions, in archive and documentation services of museums or cultural institutions.
Entrance exams are accessible to Ecole du Louvre students who have obtained a first-cycle diploma.

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At the end of their course, Ecole du Louvre students can choose careers in teaching and research.

There are many teaching and research careers which Ecole du Louvre students are prepared for by the end of their studies. Below are some examples.

 

Archaeologist researcher/art historian researcher

The researcher in archaeology or art history is a researcher in the human sciences. The archaeologist develops, from field studies (archaeological excavations using other disciplines: architecture, botany, chemistry, epigraphy, geology, zoology, etc.) personal scientific research which they promote through publications. They work in the state civil service and in the territorial civil service (Regional Archaeology Services, SRA).
The art historian takes part, through their personal work, in fundamental research in one of the fields of art history by retaining a chronological sequence for a given cultural area.
These activities are carried out in parallel with other very diverse work: dissemination of research results to doctoral students, scientific management of research teams and laboratories, administrative tasks with research organisations, publications, organisation of conferences and participation in round tables and seminars.
Researchers are increasingly required to develop their actions within the framework of international cooperation.
Position accessible to holders of a third-cycle diploma, in university co-supervision.

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Teacher-researcher archaeologist (university lecturer, university professor)

The lecturer teaches certain courses (lectures, supervised exercises, practical work), while carrying out their own research work. They transmit to students the knowledge resulting from fundamental research.
The professor defines the methods of transmitting knowledge, directs the students' research work, advises and guides them. Through their personal work, they promote and develop fundamental research, before disseminating the results to students and national and international research institutions. They are increasingly led to develop their work within the framework of international cooperation.
Position accessible to holders of a third-cycle diploma, in university co-supervision.

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Research and teaching locations in France:

To find out more, download the information sheet

Research and teaching locations abroad:

More information:

  • All universities sorted by countries/regions

 

Teacher-researcher art historien (university lecturer, university professor)

The lecturer teaches certain courses (lectures, supervised exercises, practical work), while carrying out their own research work. They transmit to students the knowledge resulting from fundamental research.
The professor defines the methods of transmitting knowledge, directs the students' research work, advises and guides them. Through their personal work, they promote and develop fundamental research, before disseminating the results to students and national and international research institutions. They are increasingly led to develop their work within the framework of international cooperation.
Position accessible to holders of a third-cycle diploma, in university co-supervision.

More information:

Research and teaching locations in France:

To find out more, download the information sheet

Research and teaching locations abroad:

More information:

  • All universities sorted by countries/regions

 

Senior professor of history

They teach in sixth-form colleges, in classes preparatoires aux grandes ecoles (which prepare for entrance exams to prestigious schools), in certain training establishments and occasionally  in secondary schools.
Entrance exams are open to Ecole du Louvre students with a second-cycle diploma(or higher).

More information:

 

Certified history teacher

They teach in middle schools, high schools and training establishments.
Entrance exams are open to Ecole du Louvre students who have obtained a second-cycle diploma (Special Official Bulletin No. 10, 2001).
Certified history teachers also have the possibility of taking an exam (30-minute oral exam) to obtain additional certification in art history (Official Bulletin No. 39 of October 28, 2004), certification allowing them to provide teaching in art history in secondary schools.

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At the end of their course, Ecole du Louvre students can choose careers in publishing.

There are many publishing careers which Ecole du Louvre students are prepared for by the end of their studies. Below are some examples.

 

Documentalist

They identify external sources of information from all media (written, graphic, electronic documents) for a given editorial programme (fine books, tourist guides, school books and encyclopaedias). They prioritise the content of this information in editorial form. They often have to recruit external collaborators (authors and illustrators, iconographers). They negotiate the conditions for purchasing reproduction rights and monitor the documentation and illustration budgets.
Competitions and additional training accessible to Ecole du Louvre studentswho have obtained a second-cycle diploma.

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Editor-editorial director

They design the editorial policy of the publishing house they work for by defining the production guidelines (launch of a new collection, etc.). They supervise budgetary choices.
Additional training accessible to Ecole du Louvre students with a second-cycle diplomaor higher.

More information:

 

 

Iconographer

They manage image resources (indexing, archiving, database design) and often have skills in the processing of images (multimedia and digital technology professions).
Additional training is accessible to Ecole du Louvre students who have obtained a second-cycle diploma.

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Art journalist

The art journalist is a specialist with a very good knowledge of art history and archaeology. They are often an expert in a specific field and use their skills to research documentation, extract information and analyse it. They work for a specialist publishing house or for a press group whose general dailies and periodicals include sections devoted to culture. They can be an editor (in chief), subeditor or freelancer.
The editor writes pieces, articles and notices on a subject that they have chosen. They are responsible for the editorial line.
The subeditorproofreads and corrects, reworks the headlines and standfirsts, chooses the iconography, writes the captions and monitors production deadlines.
The freelancer intervenes punctually, according to the needs of the editor. It is most often paid by the number of words.

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Reader-Proofreader

They check the text based on the typographic code. They correct spelling and grammar. They can also report inconsistencies within the content. They are often called upon to prepare manuscripts, establish index tables and control bibliographies. They are generally an independent who does not work within the publishing house.
Additional training accessible to Ecole du Louvre students who have obtained a first-cycle diploma.

More information:

 

 

Editorial manager

They create an editorial programme and monitor its implementation. They search for authors, participate in the choice of texts and illustrations, supervise the work of the publishing secretaries, and set the budget for which they are responsible.
Additional training accessible to Ecole du Louvre students who have obtained a second-cycle diploma.

More information:

 

 

Editorial secretary

The scope of the role varies depending on the size and organisation of the publishing house. The basis of its mission: the preparation and control of the copy, namely the layout of the manuscript for the model maker then the proofreading of the various sets of proofs. They can also monitor manufacturing and coordinate the various subcontractors. They are responsible for finalising the texts and coordinating the various people involved: editors, proofreaders, iconographers, illustrators, layout designers, etc.
Additional training accessible to Ecole du Louvre students who have obtained a first-cycle diploma.

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Editorial webmaster

They have a very good knowledge in their field of specialisation, and are the guarantor of the editorial line of a site. The profession concerns the content of the sites more than the hardware and software technique of their implementation. But the editorial webmaster must remain versatile: they design, write, structure, validate and prioritise the information, and  develop a policy of document monitoring and updating of the site. They define the aesthetic framework of the site in such a way as to make the political and cultural strategy of their institution or company visible and legible.
Involved in almost all phases of the creation of a website, they also master programming languages (ASP, HTML, JavaScript, PHP, etc.) and computer graphics office tools (Photoshop, Fireworks, Illustrator, etc.).
This profession, which is currently being structured, benefits from numerous training courses from the first to the third cycle, but with very uneven content. To become an editorial webmaster, second cycle studies in Art History and Archaeology, in Letters, combined with training in programming languages are good assets.
Additional training accessible to Ecole du Louvre students who have obtained a second-cycle diploma.